Has your life come to a halt during the lockdown?
With no chance of ending soon,better plan how to use this time.
Don't just dump your time in the social networking sites.These days are an opportunity to build new skills, explore hobbies and do things you’ve always wanted to.
Need some ideas?Here is a list of some for you to explore:
Give your house a makeover
Tired of seeing the same old seating/dining arrangements, day in, day out? With a lockdown in full progress, this may be a good time to rejig the decor and give your home a fresh new look. Change the curtains, move your tables, chairs and sofas around the house to try out new combinations.
Besides burning good calories, who knows, this activity could help you hit the reset button and let you escape the drudgery of same-old.And if lucky,you may find your favourite watch,which you were looking for,lying between your magazines.
Be a social butterfly—on the phone
There are at least half a dozen people, at any given point of time that you need to call back. An elderly aunt, that slightly touchy friend, or your former colleague—you really meant to call them back, but … you know how it is. This is a good time to find out how your friends and family are doing; if the seniors among them are coping well. Spread the warmth and stay bonded.
Read some good books
Besides being a great entertainer, this can be a great use of your me-time, simply because you will enhance your knowledge of people, society, history and culture. Also, research suggests that reading books keeps you smarter and more empathetic. Perhaps, the secret to getting through these times all in one piece is hidden in one of those books lying on your bookshelf unread for the longest time?
If you are addicted to swiping your mobile,why not buy a kindle and swipe through book pages.It will not damage your eyes and help in building reading habits.It can store thousands of books and you may even get some books for free.
Organise your files
Done cleaning your home,what about your phone: photos all scattered, the music is from god-knows-when, old files that need to be cleaned up. Not to mention a systems backup and an updation of your operating system. Most important, you need to change your passwords and keep them safe.
Exercise and Yoga
There’s copious anecdotal and scientific evidence showing how important fitness is for mental health: so during this very stressful time, it’s even more important. It also boosts the immune system.
While gyms are shut for the foreseeable future, plenty are moving their classes online.
Watch some good movies
Reports of new Covid-19 positive cases across our country filter into our newsfeed. Naturally, we are anxious. And there is no escape - no malls or cinema halls to go to. The only respite is the choice of OTT platforms available before you. But then, picking a movie is a task in itself,it is sometimes just as time-consuming as watching the thing itself,because the overwhelming amount of access to streaming services provides an overwhelming amount of options.
Watching something new lessens the drain of social distancing and staves off the potential of going stir crazy. Now is probably the best time we have to clear up our streaming service queues and watch all of those things we’ve been putting off. That three-hour award-winner? Give it a watch. How about that foreign film you were recommended that’s been sitting in your watchlist for the past three years? Give that a watch, too. And that critical and commercial bomb you heard was awful but have always been curious about? Well, why not hit play on that, as well. We owe it to ourselves to have new experiences during this time, to learn something new, expand our tastes and connect with characters onscreen, even if we can’t connect with people in person for the time being. Watching films and television, even if it’s by ourselves, is a conversation, one that allows a chance for introspection and an evaluation of our personal tastes.
Grow plants and herbs
It connects us with the outdoors and the gentle satisfaction of watching things grow brings a unique positivity. Not only do plants make your home more aesthetic, they purify the air, give you a fun way to stay fit and add to your meals as well.If you’ve no garden, there are plenty of ways to grow indoors.
Vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplants, pumpkins, chillis, bell peppers, onions, gourd and okra are all fairly easy to grow at home as are herbs such as mint, lemongrass, basil, mustard, coriander, garlic, ginger, or even greens, such as spinach and lettuce.When supermarket supplies are low they become increasingly worthwhile. You’ll need a place that gets at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight, a water source close by and any container that is around 12 inches in diameter and height. You can be less stringent with house plants such as ficus, arrowheads, or money plants. Repurpose old bottles, cans, utensils or crockery and use them as planters instead.
Try your hand at Taskmaster
Dave’s Taskmaster has been doing its bit to alleviate boredom across the land this week. The show is setting people a series of challenges on Twitter using the #HomeTasking hashtag. The first task is to “throw a piece of A4 paper into a bin. Most spectacular throw wins,” with more to be announced throughout this week. Get involved, get creative and post videos using the hashtag to be in with a chance of getting on the leaderboard, making into the Taskmaster YouTube montage and maybe even getting on the show.
Do online courses
Several reputed universities are offering free online courses. They range from public speaking to blockchain technology and almost everything in between. Standford University’s online.stanford.edu and MIT’s openlearning.mit.edu are among the most popular.
TED-Ed (ed.ted.com) is another platform that has high-quality videos on various topics. There are many other online learning websites that charge you for the courses, but it may be worth the time and money. Check out sites like Udemy, Skillshare, Coursera, and others.Some human resource departments of companies are asking their employees to skill-up during the lockdown. Try to go back to your office with skill-sets that may serve you in the future.
Relive your childhood
As children, most of us loved playing board games, be it Ludo, snakes-and-ladder or Scrabble. Some of these games must still be lying in some corner of the house, gathering dust. It’s time to brush the dust off and get playing with the family. Once you are done with your work-from-home, you can sit with the family every evening for a round or two. Relive your childhood as you play with your children.
Make your wish list for life post-lockdown
However long the lockdown may last, but know that this too shall pass. Make a list of all the things you want to do once the lockdown is lifted—selling your old car, visiting the dentist, meeting your best friend, playing football, taking your elderly aunt out for dinner, or just going back to walking in the park!
What better time than a lockdown to think of all the places you always wanted to travel! Make a bucket list (if you don’t have one), and start working on your next trip.
Quit a bad habit
It takes 21 days to make or break a habit.The science behind breaking a bad habit: know your triggers, capitalize on life-altering changes (quarantine) or replace your bad habit with a good one. Plus, the lockdown introduces a new barrier—the lack of access to your vice—which can finally be the push you needed all along.
Learn cooking or try some new recipes
Do you joke around that you’re a “terrible cook” while chowing down on yet another carton of Chinese food? Do you always say you should learn how to cook but just don’t have the time?Fret not, cooking isn’t rocket science and there’s no dearth to the online videos, recipes, and kitchen hacks that can help you navigate this unfamiliar terrain. Reach out to friends and family for cooking tips.
Involve the kids, partner or roommate by splitting tasks or call a bunch of friends on a group video call. Even if you’re by yourself, put on some music, pour some wine and you’ve got a party!
Get creative
Is that guitar that you bought a few years ago gathering dust in your closet? Dust it off. Make it a habit to sit in front of your notes and practice. There are literally dozens of YouTube tutorials that you can access. Learn to dance or take to karaoke.
You could learn a new language too. There are very decent language tutorials available online. You need to be disciplined if you are serious about this and carry on even after the lockdown.
Practise meditation
Staying at home all day can be tiring, boring and stressful. The lockdown has especially become a cause of stress and anxiety for those whose businesses are shut down and/or are incurring losses. In such times, doing some meditation and stress-busting activities can be helpful. Meditation is a commonly-used practice to relax and feel less stressed. It is a practice which is considered to be great for boosting mental health.
Meditation isn’t about becoming a different person, a new person, or even a better person. It’s about training in awareness and getting a healthy sense of perspective. You’re not trying to turn off your thoughts or feelings. You’re learning to observe them without judgment.Learning to meditate is like learning any other skill. Think of it like exercising a muscle that you’ve never really worked out before. It takes consistent practice to get comfortable.
With no chance of ending soon,better plan how to use this time.
Don't just dump your time in the social networking sites.These days are an opportunity to build new skills, explore hobbies and do things you’ve always wanted to.
Need some ideas?Here is a list of some for you to explore:
Give your house a makeover
Tired of seeing the same old seating/dining arrangements, day in, day out? With a lockdown in full progress, this may be a good time to rejig the decor and give your home a fresh new look. Change the curtains, move your tables, chairs and sofas around the house to try out new combinations.
Besides burning good calories, who knows, this activity could help you hit the reset button and let you escape the drudgery of same-old.And if lucky,you may find your favourite watch,which you were looking for,lying between your magazines.
Be a social butterfly—on the phone
There are at least half a dozen people, at any given point of time that you need to call back. An elderly aunt, that slightly touchy friend, or your former colleague—you really meant to call them back, but … you know how it is. This is a good time to find out how your friends and family are doing; if the seniors among them are coping well. Spread the warmth and stay bonded.
Read some good books
Besides being a great entertainer, this can be a great use of your me-time, simply because you will enhance your knowledge of people, society, history and culture. Also, research suggests that reading books keeps you smarter and more empathetic. Perhaps, the secret to getting through these times all in one piece is hidden in one of those books lying on your bookshelf unread for the longest time?
If you are addicted to swiping your mobile,why not buy a kindle and swipe through book pages.It will not damage your eyes and help in building reading habits.It can store thousands of books and you may even get some books for free.
Organise your files
Done cleaning your home,what about your phone: photos all scattered, the music is from god-knows-when, old files that need to be cleaned up. Not to mention a systems backup and an updation of your operating system. Most important, you need to change your passwords and keep them safe.
Exercise and Yoga
There’s copious anecdotal and scientific evidence showing how important fitness is for mental health: so during this very stressful time, it’s even more important. It also boosts the immune system.
While gyms are shut for the foreseeable future, plenty are moving their classes online.
Watch some good movies
Reports of new Covid-19 positive cases across our country filter into our newsfeed. Naturally, we are anxious. And there is no escape - no malls or cinema halls to go to. The only respite is the choice of OTT platforms available before you. But then, picking a movie is a task in itself,it is sometimes just as time-consuming as watching the thing itself,because the overwhelming amount of access to streaming services provides an overwhelming amount of options.
Watching something new lessens the drain of social distancing and staves off the potential of going stir crazy. Now is probably the best time we have to clear up our streaming service queues and watch all of those things we’ve been putting off. That three-hour award-winner? Give it a watch. How about that foreign film you were recommended that’s been sitting in your watchlist for the past three years? Give that a watch, too. And that critical and commercial bomb you heard was awful but have always been curious about? Well, why not hit play on that, as well. We owe it to ourselves to have new experiences during this time, to learn something new, expand our tastes and connect with characters onscreen, even if we can’t connect with people in person for the time being. Watching films and television, even if it’s by ourselves, is a conversation, one that allows a chance for introspection and an evaluation of our personal tastes.
Grow plants and herbs
It connects us with the outdoors and the gentle satisfaction of watching things grow brings a unique positivity. Not only do plants make your home more aesthetic, they purify the air, give you a fun way to stay fit and add to your meals as well.If you’ve no garden, there are plenty of ways to grow indoors.
Vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplants, pumpkins, chillis, bell peppers, onions, gourd and okra are all fairly easy to grow at home as are herbs such as mint, lemongrass, basil, mustard, coriander, garlic, ginger, or even greens, such as spinach and lettuce.When supermarket supplies are low they become increasingly worthwhile. You’ll need a place that gets at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight, a water source close by and any container that is around 12 inches in diameter and height. You can be less stringent with house plants such as ficus, arrowheads, or money plants. Repurpose old bottles, cans, utensils or crockery and use them as planters instead.
Try your hand at Taskmaster
Dave’s Taskmaster has been doing its bit to alleviate boredom across the land this week. The show is setting people a series of challenges on Twitter using the #HomeTasking hashtag. The first task is to “throw a piece of A4 paper into a bin. Most spectacular throw wins,” with more to be announced throughout this week. Get involved, get creative and post videos using the hashtag to be in with a chance of getting on the leaderboard, making into the Taskmaster YouTube montage and maybe even getting on the show.
Do online courses
Several reputed universities are offering free online courses. They range from public speaking to blockchain technology and almost everything in between. Standford University’s online.stanford.edu and MIT’s openlearning.mit.edu are among the most popular.
TED-Ed (ed.ted.com) is another platform that has high-quality videos on various topics. There are many other online learning websites that charge you for the courses, but it may be worth the time and money. Check out sites like Udemy, Skillshare, Coursera, and others.Some human resource departments of companies are asking their employees to skill-up during the lockdown. Try to go back to your office with skill-sets that may serve you in the future.
Relive your childhood
As children, most of us loved playing board games, be it Ludo, snakes-and-ladder or Scrabble. Some of these games must still be lying in some corner of the house, gathering dust. It’s time to brush the dust off and get playing with the family. Once you are done with your work-from-home, you can sit with the family every evening for a round or two. Relive your childhood as you play with your children.
Make your wish list for life post-lockdown
However long the lockdown may last, but know that this too shall pass. Make a list of all the things you want to do once the lockdown is lifted—selling your old car, visiting the dentist, meeting your best friend, playing football, taking your elderly aunt out for dinner, or just going back to walking in the park!
What better time than a lockdown to think of all the places you always wanted to travel! Make a bucket list (if you don’t have one), and start working on your next trip.
Quit a bad habit
It takes 21 days to make or break a habit.The science behind breaking a bad habit: know your triggers, capitalize on life-altering changes (quarantine) or replace your bad habit with a good one. Plus, the lockdown introduces a new barrier—the lack of access to your vice—which can finally be the push you needed all along.
Learn cooking or try some new recipes
Do you joke around that you’re a “terrible cook” while chowing down on yet another carton of Chinese food? Do you always say you should learn how to cook but just don’t have the time?Fret not, cooking isn’t rocket science and there’s no dearth to the online videos, recipes, and kitchen hacks that can help you navigate this unfamiliar terrain. Reach out to friends and family for cooking tips.
Involve the kids, partner or roommate by splitting tasks or call a bunch of friends on a group video call. Even if you’re by yourself, put on some music, pour some wine and you’ve got a party!
Get creative
Is that guitar that you bought a few years ago gathering dust in your closet? Dust it off. Make it a habit to sit in front of your notes and practice. There are literally dozens of YouTube tutorials that you can access. Learn to dance or take to karaoke.
You could learn a new language too. There are very decent language tutorials available online. You need to be disciplined if you are serious about this and carry on even after the lockdown.
Practise meditation
Staying at home all day can be tiring, boring and stressful. The lockdown has especially become a cause of stress and anxiety for those whose businesses are shut down and/or are incurring losses. In such times, doing some meditation and stress-busting activities can be helpful. Meditation is a commonly-used practice to relax and feel less stressed. It is a practice which is considered to be great for boosting mental health.
Meditation isn’t about becoming a different person, a new person, or even a better person. It’s about training in awareness and getting a healthy sense of perspective. You’re not trying to turn off your thoughts or feelings. You’re learning to observe them without judgment.Learning to meditate is like learning any other skill. Think of it like exercising a muscle that you’ve never really worked out before. It takes consistent practice to get comfortable.
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